The School of Battle - Frederick the Great - European History - Part 2 - Extra History

Extra History・2 minutes read

Frederick, Crown Prince of Prussia, navigates court intrigue, battlefield experiences, and political aspirations to prepare for his future reign as king, showcasing strategic thinking, enlightened absolutism, and artistic pursuits. Despite an enigmatic persona, Frederick's rise to power after his father's death in 1740 propels him into conflicts like the War of Polish Succession and the First Silesian War, revealing his ambitions and determination.

Insights

  • Frederick of Prussia, despite initial setbacks, displays strategic prowess and ambition, laying the foundation for his future reign through military conquests and intellectual pursuits.
  • Frederick's complex and enigmatic nature, coupled with his tactical acumen and philosophical leanings, underscores the multifaceted persona of a ruler poised to shape the course of history.

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Recent questions

  • Who is Frederick, Crown Prince of Prussia?

    Frederick, Crown Prince of Prussia, is a key figure in the ongoing War of Polish Succession in April 1734. He is striving to meet his father's expectations and gain battlefield experience with the Holy Roman Empire forces.

  • What is Frederick's book "Anti-Machiavel" about?

    Frederick's book "Anti-Machiavel" promotes enlightened absolutism and is edited by Voltaire, becoming a bestseller. It reflects his strategic thinking, including preemptive wars for military advantage, hinting at his future reign.

  • How does Frederick prepare to become king?

    Frederick secretly prepares to become king by engaging in architectural projects and philosophical writing. He also reconciles with his father after returning from the War of Polish Succession and is given a lakeside castle for artistic pursuits.

  • Who is Prince Eugene of Savoy?

    Prince Eugene of Savoy is a renowned general who is aged and frail during the War of Polish Succession. He is unable to provide effective leadership to Frederick, who observes the weaknesses of the imperial army and contemplates defeating the enemy.

  • What is Frederick's demeanor like?

    Frederick's distant and enigmatic persona masks his true feelings and intentions, making it challenging for others to understand him. Despite this, he strategically plans for his future reign, especially after his father's death in 1740.

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Summary

00:00

Frederick the Great: Rise to Power

  • The War of Polish Succession is ongoing in April 1734, with Frederick, Crown Prince of Prussia, striving to meet his father's expectations.
  • Frederick, despite facing a court martial for attempting to escape to England, is reinstated to gain battlefield experience with the Holy Roman Empire forces.
  • Prince Eugene of Savoy, a renowned general, is aged and frail, unable to provide effective leadership to Frederick.
  • Frederick observes the weaknesses of the imperial army and contemplates defeating the enemy.
  • Frederick, after returning from the War of Polish Succession, reconciles with his father and is given a lakeside castle for artistic pursuits.
  • Frederick secretly prepares to become king, engaging in architectural projects and philosophical writing.
  • Frederick's book, "Anti-Machiavel," promotes enlightened absolutism and is edited by Voltaire, becoming a bestseller.
  • Frederick's strategic thinking includes preemptive wars for military advantage, hinting at his future reign.
  • Frederick's distant and enigmatic persona masks his true feelings and intentions, making it challenging for others to understand him.
  • Frederick's father's death in 1740 propels him to the throne, where he quickly mobilizes for the First Silesian War, aiming to seize Silesia from Austria.

11:48

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